Looking Ahead: Inter, Roma, and Milan

The scudetto race is at it's tightest for as long as I've been around. With 7 matches remaining for all teams, let's take a look at what's ahead for the remainder of each contender's season and title hopes.

Internazionale (Home Record: 11W-0L-4D//Away 7-4-5)
--Still alive in both Champions League and Coppa Italia

vs Bologna (Bologna Away: 3-8-4)
@ Fiorentina (Fiorentina Home: 8-6-1)
vs Juventus (Juventus Away: 7-6-2)
vs Atalanta (Atalanta Away: 2-10-3)
@ Lazio (Lazio Home: 4-6-5)
vs Chievo (Chievo Away: 5-8-3)
@ Siena (Siena Home: 3-6-6)

AS Roma: -1 (Home Record: 13W-2L-1D//Away: 5-3-7)
--Still competing in Coppa Italia

@ Bari (Bari Home: 9-2-4)
vs Atalanta (Atalanta Away: 2-10-3)
@ Lazio* (Lazio Home: 4-6-5)
vs Sampdoria (Sampdoria Away: 4-9-3)
@ Parma (Parma Home: 9-3-3)
vs Cagliari (Cagliari Away: 4-9-2)
@ Chievo (Chievo Home: 5-5-5)
* = Derby match, so home/away is based on fan contingency, rather than stadia

AC Milan: -3 (Home Record: 10W, 2L, 4D//Away: 7-3-5)
--Eliminated from all other competitions

@ Cagliari (Cagliari home record: 7-4-4)
vs Catania (Catania Away: 2-7-6)
@ Sampdoria (Sampdoria Home: 9-0-5)
@ Palermo (Palermo Home: 11-0-5)
vs Fiorentina (Fiorentina Away: 4-7-4)
@ Genoa (Genoa Home: 10-2-4)
vs Juventus (Juventus Away: 7-6-2)

When comparing all three, Inter looks to have the easiest road. However, the Champions League could provide as a great distraction, which no doubt they would rather win than a 5th* straight scudetto. It wouldn't shock me to see them pull them both off.

Roma definitely has the next best shot, although they will really need to ride the excitement from their big win over Inter as they travel to Bari next, who have been a brick wall at home.

Milan, who have been trying as hard as possible to not win the scudetto, face the toughest path. 5 of their remaining 7 currently sit in the top 10 and will be traveling to 3 of them.

Giornata 31 Review

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Match of the Week:
Inter @ Roma 1-2: De Rossi 17 (R), Milito 66 (I), Toni 73 (R)
Exciting stuff at the top with Roma pulling within 1 point from the top. Refer to my upcoming post about the scudetto race.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Roma... Nailed it!)

Bologna @ Palermo 1-3: Miccoli 10, pen 43, 79 (P), Adailton 38 (B)
Why isn't Miccoli in the national team again?
(My Prediction: 3-2 Palermo...)

Parma @ Chievo 0-0
Not a whole lot to say here. Chievo loves to draw.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Parma...)

Udinese @ Fiorentina 1-4: Vargas 36 (F), Pepe 40 (U), Gilardino 55 (F), Santana 67 (F), Jovetic 84 (F)
Fiorentina roller coaster continues. Udinese is lucky there's a big gap between them and 18th place.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Fiorentina...)

Atalanta @ Juventus 1-2: Del Piero 30 (J), Amoruso 45 (A), Felipe Melo 82 (J)
Nice late win for Juve. Still don't know if they can pull out 4th though.
(My Prediction: 1-1 draw...)

Bari @ Livorno 1-1: Allegretti 24 (B), Tavano 85 (L)
Too little, too late for Livorno. Relegation bound.
(My Predicition: 2-1 Bari...)

Catania @ Napoli 0-1: P Cannavaro 51 (N)
Napoli scraped this win out by the skin of their teeth. Nice to see them keeping the race for 4th tight and plentiful.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Napoli...)

Cagliari @ Sampdoria 1-1: Guberti 48 (S), Nene' 81 (C)
Missed opporunity for Sampdoria to really make some noise. Cagliari seems to have been totally fine with earning security by round 23 because they haven't done a thing since going 4th.
(My Prediction: 1-4 Sampdoria...)

Genoa @ Siena 0-0
Nada.
(My Prediction: 0-1 Siena...)

Lazio @ Milan 1-1: Borriello pen 18 (M), Lichtsteiner 33 (L)
Who wants to win the scudetto anyway? Right Milan?
(My Prediction: 0-3 Milan...)

Giornata 31 Preview//Giornata 30 Review

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Match of the Week:
#1 Inter @ #2 Roma: SAT 1:00PM EST Live on FS+ and RAI
(My Prediction: 1-2 Roma)

#15 Bologna @ #4 Palermo: SAT 3:45PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN360, and RAI
(My Prediction: 2-3 Palermo)

#11 Parma @ #13 Chievo: SUN 10:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 1-0 Parma)

#17 Udinese @ #10 Fiorentina: SUN 10:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 0-2 Fiorentina)

#18 Atalanta @ #7 Juventus: SUN 10:00AM EST Live on FSC, ESPN360, and RAI
(My Prediction: 1-1 draw)

#9 Bari @ #20 Livorno: SUN 10:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 2-1 Bari)

#14 Catania @ #6 Napoli: SUN 10:00AM EST Live on ESPN 360
(My Prediction: 2-3 Napoli)

#12 Cagliari @ #5 Sampdoria: SUN 10:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 1-4 Sampdora)

#8 Genoa @ #19 Siena: SUN 10:00AM EST
(My Prediction: 0-1 Siena)

#16 Lazio @ #3 Milan: SUN 3:45PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
(My Prediction: 0-3 Milan)



Giornata 30 Review----

One of the first times AiC has taken the backseat in favor of school work, hence the lack of predictions. I'm sure you coped. Results and highlights below.


Match of the Week:


Sampdoria @ Bari 1-2: Cassano 19 (S), Meggiorini 58 (B), Barreto 85

Roma @ Bologna 2-0: Riise 48 (R), Julio Baptista 82 (R)

Fiorentina @ Catania 0-1: Mascara 1 (C)

Palermo @ Genoa 2-2: Hernandez 34 (P), Bocchetti 74 (G), Pastore 77 (P), Kharja pen 96 (G)

Chievo @ Udinese 0-0

Milan @ Parma 0-1: Bojinov 89 (P)

Cagliari @ Atalanta 1-3: Tiribocchi 53 (A), Valdes pen 64, 72 (A), Conti 91 (C)

Livorno @ Inter 0-1: Eto'o 35, 41 (I), Maicon 61

Siena @ Lazio 0-2: Lichtsteiner 6 (L), Cruz 72 (L)

Juventus @ Napoli 1-3: Chiellini 7 (J), Hamsik 51 (N), Quagliarella 72 (N), Lavezzi 88 (N)

Some Words on MLS, Season Opener Tonight

I don't believe I've ever mentioned MLS on this blog in it's brief existence. There's tuns to say about it and with the beginning of another season, it is definitely appropriate that I share some thoughts.

First off:
Philadelphia Union @ Seattle Sounders FC: 9:30 PM EST Live on ESPN2 and ESPN360


MLS is like local music. It's good, but not great. There's shitty bands and then there's good bands. Why do I waste time to dedicate time to an inferior league when I can just talk about Serie A? Because it has great potential. Because, quite frankly, I'm American and this is my league. Not only that, but I'm from Philadelphia and so with the induction of MLS' newest franchise being placed in my hometown, I definitely have legitimate interest.

Perhaps the main reason why MLS matters so much to me is that because the success of the US national team depends so much on the league's success. No doubt that as the popularity of the sport has risen, so has the league, and so has the quality of American players. My love and much of the love of soccer rises out of the World Cup and the success of the US every four years is massively important.

So give the league a chance. I admit that I watch maybe a total of 300 minutes of MLS each season (excluding All-Star and Finals). However, with each season the quality rises and with the inclusion of Philly, I think I'll be shifting more attention to the league.

Midweek Giornata 30 Preview/Giornata 29 Review

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Quick mid-week Giornata 30 preview then Giornata 29 recap below. This season's ending is getting more exciting each week!

Giornata 30 Preview (All matches Wed 3:45PM EST except Juve-Napoli)

Match of the Week:
#4 Palermo @ #8 Genoa: Wed 3:45PM EST

#5 Sampdoria @ #11 Bari

#3 Roma @ #14 Bologna Live on ESPN360

#9 Fiorentina @ #15 Catania

#13 Chievo @ #16 Udinese

#2 Milan @ #12 Parma Live on ESPN360

#10 Cagliari @ #18 Atalanta

#20 Livorno @ #1 Inter Live on RAI, 6:00pm delay on FSC

#19 Siena @ #17 Lazio

#6 Juventus @ #7 Napoli THURSDAY 3:45pm EST Live on FSC

---------------------------------------------

Match of the Week:
Inter @ Palermo 1-1: Milito pen 10 (I), Cavani 24 (P)
Very exciting game between two of the top sides. Although Lucio is one of the few players I hate in soccer, he showed why he's on Inter's backline by causing such a hastle to Palermo's own defense and straight up earned that penalty. Cavani showed some class of his own with a great finish that your typical striker would have put right into Julio Cesar's arms.
(My Prediction: 2-2)

Livorno @ Atalanta 0-3: Padoin 13 (A), Chevanton 55 (A), Ferreira Pinto 54 (A)
Wow, where's this been all year for Atalanta? They piled it on Livorno who seemed to have none of the shape they had against Roma last week. Unfortunatelty for both of them, Lazio is opening up a gap that may have already doomed both of them.
(My Prediction: 3-0 Livorno)

Parma @ Bari 1-1: Zenoni 36 (P), A Masiello 85 (B)
A nice match between two promoted teams who'll be sticking around after this season. Crespo looks like he still has some juice in the tank as well. Also interesting to see two linesWOMEN working this match. I wonder if players' protests would be different if they have to take it up with a female.
(My Prediction: 2-2)

Lazio @ Cagliari 2-0: Rocchi 4 (L), Floccari 37 (L)
Both Rocchi and Floccari absolutely shredded Cagliari's backline and 18 yd box. To pile on the pain, I don't believe there is one offensive highlight for Cagliari in the linked video. Overall a big, big win for Lazio. Cagliari meanwhile is succumbing to mid-table normalcy.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Cagliari)

Catania @ Chievo 1-1: Pellissier 64 (Ch), Maxi Lopez pen 74 (Ca)
How many licks does it take for Sergio Pellissier to get the center of a friggin tootsie pop? apparently 64 minutes of chance after chance. And as we all know, when you give up that many chances, all it takes is a stupid mistake by your defender to give up a PK and along with it, 2 precious points.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Catania)

Genoa @ Fiorentina 0-3: Santana 4 (F), Gilardino pen 73 (F), Babacar 86 (F)
Fiorentina dismantles Genoa as they have nothing left to look forward to except a possible Europa Cup spot. With no other distractions aside from a distant Coppa Italia 2nd leg, I would imagine they will be an extremely difficult team to play from here on out.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Fiorentina)

Napoli @ Milan 1-1: Campagnaro 13 (N), Inzaghi 26 (M)
Opportunity blown for Milan to go top. Although Napoli was no push over, they let up an embarrassing goal and squandered many chances of their own. Nice to see Super Pippo get on the scoresheet though.
(My Prediction: 2-2)

Udinese @ Roma 2-4: Toni 15 (R), Vucinic 24, pen 65, 82 (R), Di Natale pen 38, 61 (U)
What kind of teams come back to win after blowing early 2-goal leads? Those in a scudetto hunt. Mirko came up massive plus a little help the ref with Menez's dive to go up 3-2. Udinese are falling back into the relegation pack. Di Natale is still such class.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Roma)

Juventus @ Sampdoria 0-1: Cassano 76 (S)
Samp simply handled Juventus. I can't help but think that Juve is struggling from a lack of youth as Milan has been over the past few years. Trezequet and Del Piero just can't seem to be able to cut it. As for Cassano, nice to see him making a difference and testing a third-string keeper like that. Now they're right up in the thick of the Champions League race.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Sampdoria)

Bologna @ Siena 0-1: Larrondo 10 (S)
For all the chances Siena had, you would think Bologna would have punished them after only being able to put one away. Nonetheless, everything outside of finishing looked very sharp as was their goal. Bologna still sits 6 points above the drop though.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Bologna)

Giornata 29 Preview

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Remaining Previews to come...

Match of the Week:
#1 Inter @ #4 Palermo: SAT 3:45PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 10: 5-3 Inter
Inter riding some huge momentum after beating Chelsea midweek. However it's a different story in the league as they're lead is down to 1 point ahead of Milan. Palermo dropped a big opportunity to put some space between them and Juve for 4th.
(My Prediction: 2-2)

#7 Genoa @ #10 Fiorentina: SAT 1:00PM EST Live on ESPN360, FS+, and RAI
Round 10: 2-1 Genoa
Genoa is coming off the winning end of the most exciting game of the year. Fiorentina, though underwhelmingly average, are still capable of picking up a win over anyone in the league. Should be a great one.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Fiorentina)

#16 Udinese @ #3 Roma SAT: 3:45PM EST Live on ESPN360
Round 10: 2-0 Roma
Don't let Udinese's standing fool you, they can be a very big challenge for Roma. Without a win here and Roma's title challange could be looking bleak.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Roma)

#15 Catania @ #13 Chievo: SUN 10:00AM EST
Round 10: 2-1 Chievo
It's a shame for Catania that there's only 10 matches left because they're really starting to pull things together. Maxi Lopez established himself last week with a beauty of a goal to it up against Inter. Chievo were hard done to take nothing away from the other club from Milan last week.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Catania)

#8 Napoli @ #2 Milan: SUN 10:00AM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 10: 2-2
Napoli claim to have been hard-done last week against Fiorentina last week but nonetheless, they've still only taken 3 points from their last 5 matches and are currently outside of European qualification. Milan's never gotten luckily, as it took magic from Seedorf to close the gap to 1 point. You would think they'll put in a great performance but last week's has me hesitant.
(My Prediction: 2-2)

#18 Livorno @ #19 Atalanta: SUN 10:00AM EST
Round 10: 1-0 Livorno
Gettin to the bottom of the barrel here. Livorno showing fighting spirits last week (or maybe just Lucarelli). Atalanta are just looking hopeless.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Livorno)


#14 Bologna @ #20 Siena: SUN 10:00AM EST
Round 10: 2-1 Bologna
Siena still fighting to see another season in Serie A. Bologna however have not be easy lately. Should be a well-fought out match.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Bologna)

#12 Parma @ #11 Bari: SUN 10:00AM EST
Round 10: 2-0 Parma
Two teams that don't have a whole lot left to play for. Should still be good as both teams have had great seasons after being promoted. Maybe there's some bragging right to fight for.
(My Prediction: 2-3 Bari)

#17 Lazio @ #9 Cagliari: SUN 10:00AM EST
Round 10: 1-0 Cagliari
Time is running out for Lazio. They've been simply pitiful this year and if they do have the ability to string together a few points, it has start soon. They might have a bit of a lifeline with #18 Livorno and #19 Atalanta going at it this week but points are points. Cagliari, though not doing well as of late, should provide a great challenge.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Cagliari)

#5 Juventus @ #6 Sampdoria: SUN 3:45PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN360, and RAI
Round 10: 5-1 Juventus
Juve got the wind knocked out of them two more times this year with a draw against Siena after leading 3-0 after 10 minutes and then blowing a 3-1 agg lead against Fulham, only to lose 4-1 (4-5), even after scoring the first goal of the match!!! Ugly, ugly times. I can't believe they're even in 5th! Sampdoria let some points slip last week against Bologna. They'll be up for it at home though on Sunday night.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Sampdoria)

Champions League Round of 16 Leg #2 Review

Inter @ Chelsea 1-0 (3-1 on aggregate): Eto'o 79 (I)
For the sake of Italy, well friggin done by Inter. So nice to see them take out one of the big boys of the Premiership. Based on the highlights and various recaps, it seems like Chelsea took the first half while Inter pulled away with the second. Mourinho certainly gets props for this one. The draw for the next round is likely this Friday. Expect to hear about it in the preview.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea... I'm glad to see the script was rewritten. Glad to take this personal loss.)

Giornata 28 Review//Inter-Chelsea Preview

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

Crazy week in Serie A. 39 goals scored in all, which I have to assume is the most of the season. Inter got outplayed by Catania, Juve blew a 3-0 lead, and Roma failed to take advantage of Livorno. First off however, Italy's last shot this season at true European glory heads to Stamford Bridge tomorrow afternoon.

Inter @ Chelsea (2-1 agg) Tue 3:45 EST Replay on FSC at 6:00pm
That's correct, the genius minds over at Fox Sports will not be broadcasting this game live, instead will be aired at a delayed time of 6:00pm. The other option is paying $10 to watch online, as linked. Getting into the match, I do like Inter's chances. I think Mourinho will be x-factor in getting a win. However Chelsea is so good at home, nearly beating Barca in the second leg of the semi's last year. It should be a great match either way. Here's hoping for Inter to represent.
--My Prediction: 2-0 Chelsea (Chelsea advance 3-2 on agg.)

Match of the Week:
Inter @ Catania 1-3: Milito 54 (I), Lopez 74 (C), Mascara 82 pen (C), Martinez 90 (C)
A thoroughly deserved win by Catania that did not require the heavy assistance from the ref that they received. Inter were simply not up for it. Catania were consistently the better team throughout the full 90. Inter's domestic form is officially a concern.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Inter... I correctly noted that this would be tricky for Inter. Wish I had predicted a scoreline that reflected such.)

Fiorentina @ Napoli 3-1: Lavezzi 47 (N), Gilardino 60, 87 (F), Jovetic 94 (F)
I was able to watch the first half of this one which apparently the wrong half to watch as far as quality goes. Gilardino (not pronounced "Gee-lar-deen-yo" as many people confuse, as in Ronaldinho) is on a bit of a resurgence. Napoli as a whole is on the decline which is a bit unfortunate consider how well they started under Mazzarri.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Napoli... The game played out the way I expected, except I mixed up the teams.)

Cagliari @ Genoa 3-5: Dessena 16 (C), Zapater pen 36 (G), Palacio 39 (G), Conti 40 (C), Sculli 43 (G), Rossi 45 (G), Matri pen 54 (C), Milanetto 59 (G)
6 goals in the first half alone. A nice advertisement in itself for Serie A. I would love to catch a game sometime at the Luigi Ferraris and on a beautiful day like that, which such a game played, I would gladly pass up a trip to the San Siro to have been there. As for the game itself, Genoa showing the strength lately that they've failed to give consistently. Cagliari unfortunately is on a bit of a freefall.
(My Prediction: 2-2... It's difficult to predict goalfests such as this. Genoa at home however should have been expected to produce more than what I thought.)

Bari @ Lazio 2-0: Almiron 51 (B), Alvarez 64 (B)
Wow, Lazio. We know Bari's been good this season, but to drop another match at home while sitting in 17th place is relegation-esq.
(My Prediction: 1-0 Bari... Lazio is relegation-bound. What a scene that will be, especially if Roma can pull the scudetto out. Imagine that!!!!)

Roma @ Livorno 3-3: Lucarelli 9, 26, pen 73 (L), Perrotta 10 (R), Toni 19 (R), Pizarro 27 (R)
This was a proverbial sitter-miss for Roma. Not only had Inter lost, but Roma had the chance to go up 2 goals with a PK that was eventually blown. This all against #18 in the league. Great fight put out from Livorno though.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Roma... Didn't expect Livorno to put out the game they did. Kudos.)

Palermo @ Udinese 2-3: Floro Flores 43, 65 (U), Simplicio 51 (P), Asamoah 70 (U), Cavani 80 (P)
Palermo also chokes against a under-achieving Udinese. Lucky for Palermo, Juve choked even worse on the day, leaving them still in the 4th and final Champions League spot. Cavani's goal however should have counted for two.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Udinese... Palermo have been a bit inconsistent this season which I should have seen coming. Udinese have gotten their results as well as of late. Shame on me.)

Atalanta @ Parma 0-1: Bojinov 71 (P)
Parma is back on track. 7 points out of 6th place, they could pull a miracle out and get a Europa League spot if they keep it up.
(My Prediction: 1-1... Atalanta looking lowly. I expect them to be leap-frogged at the bottom by Siena after next week.)

Siena @ Juventus 3-3: Del Piero 3, 7 (J), Candreva 10 (J), Maccarone 16 (S), Ghezzal 46, pen 74 (S)
This, boys and girls, is why we play all 90 minutes. If you're going to concede 3 goals in a game, might as well do it in the first 10 minutes. Soccer is just too unpredictable of a game to turn off the TV after a 3-0 scoreline at 10'. Del Piero is right to have been as depressed as he was afterward.
(My Prediction: 1-2 Juventus... I know Juve have been getting results recently but Siena should be a considered a force to be reckoned with for the remainder of a the season.)

Sampdoria @ Bologna 1-1: Gastaldello 86 (S), Raggi 92 (B)
I apologize for being obsessed over the correlation between the exclusion of Antonio Cassano and the winning form of Sampdoria, but how this talent comes in and the team doesn't produce is beyond me. Finally back from a long layoff, Samp can only put up a 1-spot, good enough only for a draw.
(My Prediction: 2-2... Bologna one of the tougher teams in the lower half this season. Doing well as of late and expected them to stay neck and neck with Sampdoria.)

Chievo @ Milan 0-1: Seedorf 91 (M)
Tough break for Chievo. Definitely a "10" on the lucky-scale for Milan. Chievo denied a totally legit goal while the heroics of Clarence Seedorf were required to close the gap to just 1 point, which I cannot believe. Very sad to see Beckham's chances at the World Cup ended however his loss, in terms of the playing form of Milan, is a blessing in disguise. He has not done well and as he had said, didn't have a guarentee of making the England squad anyway. Just a shame to see it end like it did. As more Milan's season as a whole, without Nesta, I don't think their scudetto hopes have much in them. Favalli and Kaladze are sad replacements. Perhaps Oguchi Onyewu can recover soon enough, fill in, and make a name for himself. I'd love to see it.
(My Prediction: 2-0 Milan... A victory, but not how I expected. As I said, got very lucky with some help from the ref. Chievo we're hard done.)

Giornata 28 Preview

(http://www.skysports.com/football/league/0,19540,11853,00.html)

Note the changes in time this weekend. Sunday matches will be starting an hour later, at 10:00/3:45 opposed to 9:00/2:45.

Match of the Week:
#1 Inter @ #15 Catania FRI 2:45 PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 9: 2-1 Inter
Don't let the standings fool you, this is a very tricky match for Inter. They haven't been on great form lately and going away to Sicily doesn't help. With the big 2nd leg against Chelsea midweek looming, it will be very interesting to see how Inter plays. This could be the biggest match of the season so far, as Roma could very well be posing a true title challenge, with only 3 more matches against top-half sides.
--My Prediction: 1-0 Inter

#10 Fiorentina @ #7 Napoli SAT 2:45 PM EST Live on FSC, ESPN 360, and RAI
Round 9: 1-0 Napoli
I am officially done regarding Fiorentina as top-5 caliber for this season. Napoli however is not on good form lately so this one is really up for grabs. A very close 2nd for match of the week.
--My Prediction: 1-2 Napoli

#8 Cagliari @ #9 Genoa SUN 10:00 AM EST
Round 9: 3-2 Cagliari
Both teams are starting to get weighted down by the final quarter of the season. Probably not a bad time to be facing each other. I give Genoa the advantage being at home.
--My Prediction: 2-2

#12 Bari @ #17 Lazio SUN 10:00 AM EST
Round 9: 2-0 Bari
Bari is inching closer and closer to staying up while Lazio floats just 1 place and 3 points above relegation. I would give the edge to Lazio however all season they have failed to pull it together and so I really might think they could be going down at the end.
--My Prediction: 1-0 Bari

#3 Roma @ #18 Livorno SUN 10:00AM EST Live on FSC and ESPN 360
Round 9: 1-0 Livorno
A post that I referenced in my Inter-Catania preview documents Roma's remaining 9 matches, which is extremely favorable. Their run at stealing the scudetto begins here. I don't think Livorno have the heart to stay up.
My Prediction: 3-1 Roma

#4 Palermo @ #16 Udinese SUN 10:00 AM EST Live on RAI
Round 9: 1-0 Palermo
Palermo on a hotstreak and will be looking to stay ahead of Juve for the final Champions League spot. Udinese need to start grabbing points as they're not exactly sitting comfortable in the safety zone of the table.
My Prediction: 3-1 Palermo

#19 Atalanta @ #14 Parma SUN 10:00 AM EST
Round 9: 3-1 Atalanta
Again, both teams on poor form. At this point, they're both just trying to stay up, although I think that's more of a focus for Atalanta.
My Prediction: 1-1

#20 Siena @ #5 Juventus SUN 10:00 AM EST Live on ESPN 360
Round 9: 1-0 Juventus
Similar storyline with Inter-Catania. I still think Siena have a chance of staying up but I think they'll be lucky to come away with anything from Juve. They are however on good form with 8 points from their last 4 matches.
My Prediction: 1-2 Juventus

#6 Sampdoria @ #13 Bologna SUN 10:00 AM EST
Round 9: 4-1 Sampdoria
A great match that's flying under the radar. Bologna has arguably their win of the season last week against Napoli while Sampdoria finds themselves fighting for the last Champions League spot.
My Prediction: 2-2

#11 Chievo @ #2 Milan SUN 3:45 PM EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 9: 2-1 Milan
Could it be a sign that although Milan drew with Roma, so did Inter? They'll get their second chance to close the gap (as I write this, Inter is tied at halftime). Chievo still just chillin in the middle of the table.
My Prediction: 0-2 Milan

Europa League Round of 16 Leg 1 Review

Fulham @ Juventus 1-3: Legrottaglie 9 (J), Zebina 25 (J), Etuhu 36 (F), Trezeguet 45 (J)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oe44qxbR82Y (only Trezeguet's goal)
Well done by Juve. As mentioned before, I don't know a whole lot about the Europa League but at this point, any Italian success in European competitions is more than welcome. The return leg will be next Thursday at Fulham. So far so good though.

Giornata 28 - Inter-Catania Preview

Tomorrow night is another rare Friday night match.

#1 Inter @ #15 Catania: 2:45 EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 9: 2-1 Inter
Don't let the standings fool you, this is a very tricky match for Inter. They haven't been on great form lately and going away to Sicily doesn't help. With the big 2nd leg against Chelsea midweek looming, it will be very interesting to see how Inter plays. This could be the biggest match of the season so far, as Roma could very well be posing a true title challenge, with only 3 more matches against top-half sides.
--My Prediction: 1-0 Inter


Previews for the remaining matches will be posted tomorrow.

Champions League Reflections

This post doesn't necessarily pertain to Italian or American soccer, but rather soccer and sports as a whole. I just watched that last 10 minutes of the Real Madrid-Lyon game and I say, as already a man of faith, that my beliefs in the existence of God are reinforced by Real Madrid's elimination. As a Phillies fan, watching my beloved club lose in the World Series to the Evil Empire of baseball was crushing. With Real Madrid taking such a role in Europe, to see nearly 300 mil euros, including my idol, Kaka', who has sparked my intense interest in the game, is simply glorious. The fact that the CL final will be held at the Bernabeu is the cherry on top. Money can't buy everything kids.

As mentioned, Madrid took Kaka away from Milan over the summer. Watching/reading about his play since has been a bit harsh. I really do not believe Madrid knew what kind of player they were signing, despite his World Player of the Year capabilities. I came to my current understanding of soccer through watching Kaka and AC Milan back in 2007. The reason AC won the Champions League that year is because their entire offense ran through Kaka'. In order for him to perform to his potential, he has to have complete control over the attacking midfield. It's not that his play is selfish, in fact he is so good because of his passing abilities, but his game simple requires full control over the flow of the midfield. In 2007, Milan's set-up was such and got them their 7th CL title. Conversely, we've seen him share the attacking midfield with Ronaldinho for Brasil at the 2006 World Cup and with Milan during 2008. Both seasons we're busts as Brasil were disappointed in the quarterfinals and Milan out of the CL in the round of 16 with Milan out of the scudetto race by February. I recognize that I'm not giving any hardcore evidence for their pairing being the reason for failure but having watched both instances, it has to be said that they limited each other. Real Madrid now deal with this burden with a handful of stars, with only a round of 16 exit in the CL and sit currently second place in a 2-team league.

As an direhard fan of his, I would love to see Kaka get back to a club where he can have the control he did during his pinnacle at Milan. It sucks that he is out of the tournament, but for the sake of restoring justice to the world, I couldn't be happier to see Real go as well.

Champions League Round of 16 Leg #2 Review

Two very disappointing results for two very different reasons.

Bayern Munich @ Fiorentina 2-3 (4-4 aggregate: Bayern advances 2-1 on away goals): Vargas 27 (F), Jovetic 54, 64 (F), Van Bommel 60 (B), Robben 65 (B)
Strong effort from Fiorentina but the offside goal from leg 1 decides this one. Something video replay would have fixed and changed the result. Such a shame especially after beating out Liverpool in the group stages. Credit to Bayern though for their honesty.
(My Prediction: 3-1 Fiorentina... Close, but in the CL one goal makes the entire outcome.)


AC Milan @ Manchester Utd 0-4 (2-7 aggregate): Rooney 13, 46 (MU), Park 60 (MU), Fletcher 87 (MU)
I didn't want this one but you knew it was over after 13 minutes. You could even say it was over after Rooney's second goal of the first match. In both cases, Milan gave up. Although Nesta, Pato, and Antonini were out today, the team as a whole never showed up.
(My Prediction: 3-0 Milan... We'll, I look like I know what I'm talking about... ballsy choice but it was a matter of do or die for Milan. It was going to be a blow out either way, I just picked the wrong team.)

Champions League Round of 16 Leg #2 Preview

Tuesday

Bayern Munich @ Fiorentina (2-1 Aggregate) 2:45 EST Live on FSC
Massive, massive, massive game here. Not only for a would-be overachieving Fiorentina in the Champions League, but more important to me is the UEFA coefficient between Serie A and the German Bundesliga. A win for Bayern over another Italian club (as they beat out Juve for second place in the group stages) could see Serie A drop from 4 CL teams to 3, with the Bundesliga adding a 4th.
--My Prediction: 3-1 Fiorentina


Wednesday

AC Milan @ Manchester Utd (2-3 Aggregate) 2:45 EST Live on FSC
Another phenomenal match up. Wayne Rooney, the star of the first leg, is not expected to play which leaves Milan one gigantic worry to forget about. Milan doesn't have 7 Champions League titles (2nd all time) for no reason. Going to Manchester should be nothing out of the ordinary for them as they'll hope to make it 5-0 vs Man U in the CL knockout rounds.
--My Prediction: 3-0 Milan (call me insane, biased, or just a f*'in idiot, but at least I have the balls to make such a prediction).

Inter-Chelsea preview to come next week.

Giornata 27 -- Review

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/)

Match of the Week:
Milan @ Roma 0-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgqUpPXT8x4
One of the more exciting 0-0 draws you'll see this season. Roma had control for the first 15-20 minutes or so by the remaining 70 was a clinic by Milan on how to not score goals. They had every chance in the world but couldn't get it done.
(My Prediction: 3-2 Milan... Perhaps on another day, the very same chances that were created would have made this scoreline read 3-2.)


Juventus @ Fiorentina 2-1: Diego 2 (J), Marchionni 32 (F), Grosso 69 (J)
(highlights are after the brief interview) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlDH09RkMB0
Massive win for Zac to go to Florence and take away all three points. Fiorentina just can't get it together in Serie A this year. I'm wonder when Prandelli will start taking some heat.
(My Prediction: 2-2... Close, yet not close enough. The game played out the way I expected it to.)

Catania @ Cagliari 2-2: Lazzari 10 (Cg), Mascara pen 31 (Ct), Maxi Lopez 35 (Ct), Cossu 74 (Cg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-FJrBfDfk0
Cossu showing up big time for Cagliari after his national team debut. If Catania keeps up their form they should be good for survival. I think this might mark my recognition of Maxi Lopez as a game changer.
(My Prediction: 2-1 Catania... Simply underestimated Catania in this one.)

Napoli @ Bologna 1-2: Zalayeta 7 (B), Adailton 12 (B), Rinaudo 14 (N)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndfnvPqabz4
I think my gut feeling, as referred to in the preview, just gained a shit tun of credibility after this result. I still don't know what it was, but something about a semi-in form Bologna scarred me.
(My Prediction: 0-1 Bologna... When I first saw the result, I thought I had nailed it exactly, however correctly prediction a relegation-threatened team to hand only Mazzarri's 2nd loss of the season is a nice little achievement.)

Udinese @ Atalanta 0-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vM-XtDWm2M
Not a whole lot in this one. Two below average teams duking it out to a goalless draw. Most boring of the three 0-0 draws this week.
(My Prediction: 3-0 Udinese... Udinese are like night and day sometimes. Sometimes they hit the net, other times they don't.)

Lazio @ Sampdoria 1-2: Floccari 6 (L), Guberti 29 (S), Pazzini 36 (S)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eBA9FbZxm0
Of the matches I didn't watch this week, this is the one I definitely wanted to see. Sampdoria enjoying a great revival while Lazio is seriously flirting with relegation.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Sampdoria... Lazio seemed to have fought hard but Samp was always going to be too much for them)

Parma @ Siena 1-1: Biabiany 34 (P), Vergassola 69 (S)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqEKXp6EqlU
I love Siena's fight to the death mentality they're taking. I know Parma is definitely one of the weaker teams right now but any points for the #20 club in the league is an achievement.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Siena... Too optimistic to think Siena would get three but a result was in cards for them.)

Livorno @ Palermo 0-1: Miccoli 81 (P)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ttEFm5kIQ
Palermo retaining 4th place this week. Late goals will get your club where you want to be, in Palermo's case the Champions League. Should be exciting to see who finishes in fourth. Although Livorno took the game late, another loss is another loss and they should be a little scared right now.
(My Prediction: 0-2 Palermo... Close but I think Palermo was always going to take this game.)

Chievo @ Bari 0-1: Castillo 20 (B)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfp959v51ug
Bari at home remains one of the better teams in the league. Chievo loving normalcy.
(My Prediction: 0-1 Bari... Have to say I got somewhat lucky with this one. Although it may have been easy to have not expected a lot, Chievo hasn't been in many goals fests this season.)

Genoa @ Inter 0-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9p5U1m0cCk
Most defensive-heavy game you'll see. I believe the match commentator said that Inter got their first shot on goal around the 40th minute. Kinda sums it up for you. Very surprised they didn't come out firing and take their final steps toward another scudetto.
(My Prediction: 1-3 Inter... Like I said, very surprised Inter didn't come out firing. Maybe Genoa just played one of their better matches of the season.)

(Thank you to Football-Italia.net for scorelines)

Giornata 27 - Preview

(http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2009-2010/regular-season/tables/)

6 out of 10 games being broadcasted live one way or another in the United States this weekend (see below). What a beautiful thing.

---------------Match of the Week---------------

#2 Milan @ #3 Roma: SAT 2:45PM EST Live on FSC and ESPN 360
Round 8: 2-1 Milan
Can't stress enough how much the race for the Scudetto means here. Regardless, it should still be a great game between two of the best teams in Italy.
--My Prediction: 3-2 Milan


#6 Juventus @ #10 Fiorentina: SAT 12:00PM EST Live on ESPN 360, FS+, and RAI
Round 8: 1-1
I still hold the assumption that Fiorentina is bagging results like they did the past two years. Still, I think they'll give Juve a run for their money at the Artemio Franchi.
--My Prediction: 2-2

#15 Catania @ #8 Cagliari: SUN 9:00AM EST
Round 8: 2-1 Catania
Cagliari slumping a bit as of late while Catania are finally starting to hit form. Might be my cadidate for the best "under the radar" match.
--My Prediction: 2-1 Catania

#5 Napoli @ #14 Bologna: SUN 9:00AM EST Live on FSC and ESPN 360
Round 8: 2-1 Napoli
Interesting match up here. Napoli still on great form while Bologna is as inconsistent as they come. I just have a very strange feeling that Mazzari might be dealt this second Serie A loss.
--My Prediction: 0-1 Bologna

#16 Udinese @ #19 Atalanta: SUN 9:00 EST
Round 8: 3-1 Atalanta
I think this is where Atalanta finally starts realizing that they won't be climbing out of the relegation zone. The teams hovering above the drop are too much better.
--My Prediction: 3-0 Udinese

#17 Lazio @ #7 Sampdoria: SUN 9:00 EST Live on RAI
Round 8: 1-1
Both teams coming off of poor results last week. Lazio just cannot seem to get it together and I'm starting to believe they have a shot at being relegated. I think this is bad week for them to travel to the Luigi Ferraris.
--My Prediction: 0-2 Sampdoria

#12 Parma @ #20 Siena: SUN 9:00 EST
Round 8: 1-0 Parma
Both teams with massive wins last week. I have no idea what this will mean for Parma's cause but I think the edge goes to Siena just because they have more to lose and that despite being at the bottom all season, I think they have the class to pull off the escape.
--My Prediction: 1-3 Siena

#18 Livorno @ #4 Palermo: SUN 9:00 EST Live on ESPN 360
Round 8: 2-1 Palermo
Win of the season for Palermo against Juve last Sunday night. Livorno looking destined for the drop. I can't imagine Palermo will let these 3 points slip away at home.
--My Prediction: 0-2 Palermo

#11 Chievo @ #13 Bari: SUN 9:00 EST
Round 8: 2-1 Bari
Nice little mid-table match up. Chievo has been surprising lately while Bari is getting pretty inconsistent. I don't think either of these clubs will be flirting with relegation by season's end, but either would do well to take all three points (obviously).
--My Prediction: 0-1 Bari

#9 Genoa @ #1 Inter: SUN 2:45 EST Live on FSC and RAI
Round 8: 5-0 Inter
I like this match a lot. I'd go as far as saying that Genoa always comes out with heart and passion for the big matches, except for the fact that they got absolutely embarrassed up in their own house by Inter a few months ago. Still, I think this match has the potential to send some shockwaves through the league.
--My Prediction: 1-3 Inter

Italy-Cameroon//USA-Netherlands Recaps

Italy - Cameroon 0-0

I did not watch this match. I preferred the USA-Netherlands match just because there was more to take from the USA match. Italy's squad for me doesn't have a whole lot more to change. As I mentioned with the call-ups post, my focus was on Borriello and how he would perform in the match. I'll leave you with a recap from one of my favorite sites, football-italia.net.
http://www.football-italia.net/italy/ita-cam.html


USA - Netherlands 1-2: Kuyt PK 39' (N), Huntelaar 73' (N), Bocanegra 88' (U)

Satisfactory effort from the US. However they still haven't shaked off the clumsiness that usually causes them to fall behind. Jonathan Bornstein had no business sticking his arm out at Wesley Sneider, allowing him to embellish and draw the PK. Regardless, there was not much of a bite in their offensive movements, making them depend on their defense and wait for a counter attack. Huntelaar's goal took a deflection but the Dutch were going to score at some point during that 10 minute span. A very bright spot was Bocanegra's goal, as it was a world-class lesson in free kicks. He was left completely unmarked and couldn't have headed it any better. The late-game push from the US will be extremely helpful come time for South Africa. Speaking of which, I understand this was the last friendly before Bob Bradley finalizes his roster. When I hear a release date, it will be posted ASAP.

Italy-Cameroon//USA - Netherlands Notes

Italy-Cameroon: nice test against African teams. I think with the oncoming of African teams, its important to get a look at the, especially one who will be there in June.

As for USA, great test against a real contender which they'll face through England in their first match. On ESPN2.

The Current State of Juventus

Alessandro Del Piero

The Juventus blog over at Theoffside.com has a great little read regarding what has happened to Juve over the years and how they have seemingly switched roles with Inter. Worth checking out.

http://juventus.theoffside.com/team-news/pazza-juve-how-juventus-is-inter-and-vice-versa.html

Comparing the State of Hockey and Soccer in America

So many parallels can be drawn between the current status of hockey and soccer after United States' run at the Olympics. After the damage of the NHL lockout, the way which ESPN talks about the revival of hockey is the same way they talk about soccer. Think about the Confederations Cup and the run that the United States made. Both are gaining interest because of the United States' performances, as opposed to high-quality sport played out between foreign nations.

It shouldn't be any secret that there are specific fanbases for both hockey and soccer with a minority of casual fans. Despite the lack of coverage each of these sports gets, there are those, such as myself, who couldn't care less if SportsCenter recognizes them. With the dawning of the internet, it is impossible to stress just how much easier it is to get access to matches anywhere in the world. It might not be easy, or legal, but if we want it, we can get it.

This leads us to rise in popularity these sports are receiving and where it leaves the dedicated fanbases. Could you imagine immigrating to a country where they had absolutely no access to your favorite baseball, football, or basketball team, in fact none of these sports sports in general? Such was the case for many people who moved to the US before the 90's when even the World Cup couldn't get TV time. It has to be said that the interest of the casual fan is the reason why we'll be watching all 65 matches in HD this summer on ESPN, as opposed to a subscription channel through digital cable (which is only recently becoming common in households). The NHL lost its agreement with ESPN and had to resort to the less known Outdoor Living Channel (now Versus) for their nationally broadcasted games after the lockout.

With the unique events of the Olympics and the Winter Classic, hockey is absolutely making a revival of sorts that the other 3 aren't really capable of matching. As for soccer, all you gotta say is the World Cup. Its without a doubt what brought myself and many others I'm sure into the game and was the only access to the professional game that I was aware of up until 4 years ago (my very earlier memory of the world cup was from '98, when Fabian Barthez held up the world cup trophy after beating Brazil). Basketball in the summer Olympics is catching speed now that the game is becoming more global but without a doubt the World Baseball Classic is decades away from being considered legit.

Bottom line, although hockey and soccer are on the rise, would more exposure really be a benefit for these sports? Cool, more money and TV time, but if you really want access to the games, you can get it. Who cares if anyone else is watching? I wouldn't be surprised if the new Fox Soccer Plus makes calcio more difficult to access. Share your thoughts. Thanks for reading.

Nazionale Call-Ups

Italy - Cameroon: Wed March 3, 2:45pm EST from the Stade Louis II (Monaco, France)

The highlight of this roster is the return of Marco Borriello. As long as he's healthy, he has every right to be going to South Africa. I think he's definitely been the most consistent Italian striker (when not injured) whose place to SA hasen't been cemented. We've seen what Gilardino, Iaquinta, and Toni bring in terms of consistency. I would say we need more come June however I believe Italy won the World Cup only four years ago with 10 different goal scorers. At the same time, if Marco wants to contribute a goal every game or so as is currently, I won't get mad.

I know this is only a mere friendly and not the final roster headed to the world cup, but I think its nice to see the Azzurri represented by 11 different Serie A clubs, none of which coming from the league leaders however understandably. By the way, the match will actually be played in France, as opposed to Italy or Cameroon. I'm sure the explanation for which will gain exposure as the match gets closer.


Full Roster:

PORTIERI/Keepers: Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo).

DIFENSORI/Defensemen: Daniele Bonera (Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus).

CENTROCAMPISTI/Midfielders: Christian Maggio (Napoli), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).

ATTACCANTI/Strikers: Marco Borriello (Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)

(http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/28-02-2010/italia-camerun-603154859427.shtml)